Head of Sixth Form
Candidate Information Pack
Contents
• About Us
• A Warm Welcome
• Academic Life
• Our Campus
• Living in Cairo
• The Role
• About You
• Benefits
• Application Process
About Us
Uppingham Cairo opened to pupils aged 3 to 13 in New Giza in September 2024 in sight of the Great Pyramids of Giza. It is the first overseas branch of Uppingham School, a leading co-educational independent boarding school in the UK and will expand over time to cater to pupils aged 3 to 18.
Based on the values and ethos of Uppingham School, Uppingham Cairo embraces Egypt’s rich history and culture to bring a school of exceptional quality.
We care about who our pupils become. We believe in the transformative power of education. Yes, our priority is to deliver a wide-ranging curriculum; however, in the context of the 21st century, it will be our pupils’ personal qualities and values, not just exam results, that will set our pupils apart.
A Warm Welcome
I am delighted that you are considering joining Uppingham Cairo as the Head of Sixth Form.
This is a tremendously exciting time to be joining the School. Our first pupils joined us in September 2024, and they are already thriving in our ground-breaking Day Boarding environment. For the first time since 1584, there is another Uppingham. Not only in name but in character, philosophy, values and ambition - the connection is genuine, it is wholehearted and it is exciting.
“We
are building something extraordinary For the young people of Cairo.”
As you will see from the wealth of information In this briefing pack, we are unashamedly ambitious for our new school. We were awarded full British Schools Overseas (BSO) Accreditation through inspection by ISI as well as membership of HMC, IAPS, BSME, COBIS and many other world leading organisations, in our Founding Year.
We know that we are building something extraordinary for the young people of Cairo, and we know how significant and important a task that is.
We are looking for exceptional people to join us, as our school expands in all year groups, and our current 3rd Formers began studying their GCSE courses in September 2025.
If this role represents a challenge and an opportunity that genuinely excites you, I would be delighted to hear from you.
With all good wishes,
Emma Webb Headmistress
Academic Life
Our commitment to a holistic education is as wholeheartedly held here in Cairo as it is in historic Uppingham School in Rutland, UK. Intellectual rigour, exploration, critical analysis, creativity, risk taking, communication, teamwork - all are central to the way we guide, nurture and inspire our young people.
Our role is to give our pupils the skills, confidence and capabilities to navigate their own paths through life - and the unshakeable sense of self they need to influence the world around them.
Every child navigates through education differently. Pupils thrive when they follow a curriculum that is right for them. Through our innovative teaching and wide range of options, we create a curriculum suited to each child’s interests, aptitudes and aspirations.
Academic rigour and aspirations matter to us and through our unique Day Boarding Programme, social and community initiatives, we encourage and inspire pupils to become self-aware, thoughtful and independent.
We help them to explore their motivations, strengths and ambitions; to find the right path for them. Our size means we offer unrestricted subject choices. We challenge and stretch all pupils - in the classroom and beyond.
We keep our curriculum fresh and relevant by embracing new technology and collaborating with leading institutions around the world to develop state-of-theart learning and sporting programmes.
Our Campus
Uppingham Cairo is located in the prestigious New Giza area in sight of the Great Pyramids of Giza. Our outstanding campus is genuinely world leading; encouraging curiosity, discovery, self-expression and excellence in every pursuit.
Our facilities include:
• The Leonardo Art and Design Department, including bespoke facilities for Fine Art, Ceramics, Photography, Design & Technology, Computer Aided Design and Textiles as well as individual Studio Spaces for pupils from the 4th Form
• The Donald Campbell Sports’ Centre, including an indoor swimming pool, Multi-Purpose Sports’ Hall, indoor and outdoor Performance Gym and Indoor Running Track
• Natural grass Sports’ Pitch, Tennis, Mini-Tennis, Padbol, Paddle, Squash and Basketball Courts
• The Barbara Matthews Theatre, with a full size theatre, Black Box Theatre, Music Department classroom and Individual Music Practice Rooms
• The Johnson Early Years Department, with a Senior indoor swimming pool, beach, school farm and garden
• The Thring and Abercrombie Buildings house the Senior School academic department classrooms alongside Biology, Physics and Chemistry laboratories, computer science suites, the House Common Rooms, the Thring Dining Room, Dance Studio and the Thring Senior Library
• The Queen Elizabeth II Senior School Building house the Upper Pre-Prep and Lower Prep Departments alongside the QEII Dining Room, Music Room, Art Room, Exhibition Hall and Senior Library
• The Rutland Sixth Form Building, with bespoke study group classrooms, the Sixth Form Common Room, Sixth Form Laboratories and academic libraries
Living in Cairo
Uppingham Cairo is located in a safe haven of open spaces and suburban communities yet close enough to the capital for staff to enjoy the hustle and bustle of this extraordinary city.
Cairo is a very vibrant and welcoming city, rich in culture and history. Well used to tourists from all over the world, many of the locals speak English. It has a very Western feel with all the modern conveniences and services you are used to – home delivery, Amazon, Uber, shopping centres and restaurants to cater for every taste.
The working week is Sunday to Thursday. Friday is much like a Sunday in the UK so services may vary slightly to the rest of the week.
The cost of living in Egypt is very low, compared to the UK (around 86% less). Domestic help and services are very affordable; utilities are around £15–20 per month and eating out is extremely reasonable. This means that staff can save whilst enjoying a high quality of life on their expatriate salaries.
Uppingham Cairo is located in 6th of October City, approximately 30km southwest of the capital, just 12km from the Pyramids of Giza (which are visible from the school) and 13km from the new Grand Egyptian Museum.
The area offers a relaxed, suburban lifestyle of spacious, upscale accommodation in secure communities or compounds with large, landscaped grounds and cleaner air.
Communities are walled and gated, with security at each entrance, making them extremely safe and family friendly. Many have amenities such as parks, play areas, lakes, shops, restaurants, cafes, gyms, pools and golf courses.
The Role
CONTEXT
The Head of sixth Form is responsible for ensuring the quality of academic standards for each pupil in the sixth form, whilst drawing the highest professional standards from those who teach in their department.
Uppingham Cairo strives for the highest academic outcomes, and demands that teaching is creative, inspirational and innovative. A culture of self-reflective and collective professional development is at the heart of our professional values, and it is a core responsibility of Head of Sixth form to lead and promote that culture.
On a day-to-day basis, The Head of sixth form will initially be accountable to the Head of Senior school . As the school grows, line management responsibilities will be shared between the Head of Junior school, Head of Prep, Deputy Head (Academic) and Junior school.
The School reserves the right to adapt the needs of the role as circumstances demand or opportunities arise.
PURPOSE
The Head of Sixth Form provides strategic and day-to-day leadership of the Sixth Form, ensuring an intellectually ambitious, purposeful and supportive environment in which pupils flourish academically and personally and are exceptionally well prepared for leading universities and future pathways.
The Sixth Form sits at the academic and cultural pinnacle of Uppingham Cairo. The Head of Sixth Form will therefore play a central role in shaping the scholarly ethos, expectations and standards of the entire Senior School.
The postholder will lead the development of a distinctive Sixth Form culture characterised by intellectual seriousness, independence of thought, personal responsibility and aspiration. They will oversee both A Level and International Baccalaureate Diploma pathways, ensuring parity of esteem, academic rigour and outstanding outcomes for all pupils.
Working closely with the Director of Studies, the Deputy Head (Pastoral) and the IBDP Co-Ordinator, the Head of Sixth Form will ensure that academic ambition, personal development and university preparation are fully integrated.
This is a significant senior leadership role suited to an experienced and ambitious educator with the capacity for future whole-school leadership.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership of the Sixth Form
• Provide clear strategic leadership of the Sixth Form, ensuring a coherent vision aligned with the ethos and ambitions of Uppingham Cairo.
• Establish the Sixth Form as a centre of academic excellence, intellectual curiosity and leadership within the school.
• Develop and sustain a culture of scholarship, independence and high aspiration.
• Ensure that the Sixth Form experience prepares pupils exceptionally well for university and adult life.
• Contribute to whole-school strategic planning and self-evaluation.
University Preparation and UCAS
• Hold overall responsibility for university preparation and the UCAS process for all Sixth Form pupils.
• This includes oversight of guidance, timelines, application quality, references, predicted grades (in partnership with the Director of Studies) and support for applications to leading global universities.
• Ensures that pupils and families receive clear, expert and timely guidance and that all applications reflect the highest standards of ambition and presentation.
• Work in close partnership with the Head of Futures, Innovation & Pathways to ensure that careers education, partnerships and pathway guidance support successful progression beyond school.
Academic Leadership and Curriculum Oversight
• Oversee the academic provision of the Sixth Form in partnership with the Director of Studies.
• Ensure the highest standards of teaching, learning and academic engagement across both A Level and IBDP pathways.
• Line manage the IBDP Coordinator and oversee the successful implementation and development of the IB Diploma Programme.
• Ensure parity of esteem and coherence between A Level and IBDP pathways.
• Monitor pupil progress and attainment across the Sixth Form, ensuring strong outcomes and value added.
• Support Heads of Department in ensuring appropriate stretch, challenge and academic extension for Sixth Form pupils.
• Promote super-curricular engagement, academic enrichment and intellectual leadership among pupils.
• Pastoral Leadership of the Sixth Form
• Establish a strong and supportive pastoral culture characterised by mutual respect, maturity and personal responsibility.
• Ensure that Sixth Form pupils are known, supported and appropriately challenged
• Monitor attendance, wellbeing and engagement across the Sixth Form.
• Work closely with the Deputy Head (Pastoral) on safeguarding and pupil welfare.
• Support pupils in managing academic pressure and personal development.
• Oversee tutor systems within the Sixth Form and provide guidance to tutors.
• Support the implementation of high standards of pupil conduct, behaviour and participation on all school visits and residential experiences involving pupils in the Sixth Form
NB. Responsibility for planning and organisation of visits sits with the Assistant Heads (local visits) and the Deputy Director of Enrichment & Expeditions(residential and overseas visits).
Partnerships with Parents
• Build strong and constructive relationships with parents of Sixth Form pupils.
• Communicate clearly and professionally regarding academic progress, university preparation and pastoral matters.
• Support parents in understanding pathways, expectations and future opportunities.
• Lead information evenings and events related to university preparation and Sixth Form life.
Operational Responsibilities
• Maintain a visible presence in the Sixth Form centre and across the school.
• Oversee the day-to-day running of the Sixth Form.
• Contribute to timetable planning and curriculum organisation in collaboration with the Director of Studies.
• Support key Sixth Form events including induction, results days, university events and graduation.
• Contribute to marketing and promotion of the Sixth Form.
Sixth Form Culture, Identity and Pupil Leadership
• Shape a distinctive Sixth Form identity aligned with the values of Uppingham Cairo.
• Promote pupil leadership, service and contribution to the wider school community.
• Oversee pupil leadership structures including prefects and mentoring programmes.
• Ensure Sixth Form pupils act as role models for younger pupils.
• Lead assemblies and events that promote intellectual and personal development.
Leadership and Management
• Line manage the IBDP Coordinator and Sixth Form pastoral and administrative staff as appropriate.
• Lead regular Sixth Form meetings and briefings.
• Support the professional development of staff involved in Sixth Form provision.
• Contribute to the effective deployment of Sixth Form teaching and pastoral resources.
• Oversee Sixth Form admissions and transition from 5th Form (Year 11).
Responsibilities as a Member of the Senior Leadership Team
• Contribute actively to the strategic leadership and daily management of the school.
• Work closely with the Director of Studies, IBDP Co-Ordinator and Deputy Head (Pastoral) to ensure alignment across academic and pastoral provision.
• Support whole-school improvement planning and policy development.
• Uphold and model the highest professional standards.
• Maintain a visible leadership presence across the school.
• Attend Governors’ meetings and provide reports as required.
Partnerships with Parents
• Build strong and constructive relationships with parents of Sixth Form pupils.
• Communicate clearly and professionally regarding academic progress, university preparation and pastoral matters.
• Support parents in understanding pathways, expectations and future opportunities.
• Lead information evenings and events related to university preparation and Sixth Form life.
Operational Responsibilities
• Maintain a visible presence in the Sixth Form centre and across the school.
• Oversee the day-to-day running of the Sixth Form.
• Contribute to timetable planning and curriculum organisation in collaboration with the Director of Studies.
• Support key Sixth Form events including induction, results days, university events and graduation.
• Contribute to marketing and promotion of the Sixth Form.
Wider Professional Responsibilities
Uppingham Cairo is a Day Boarding School, open from 7.30am – 9.00pm Sunday to Wednesday, and until 4.30pm on Thursdays.
All staff are expected to:
• Be aware of and committed to the ethos and values of Uppingham Cairo as a Day Boarding School
• Make a positive contribution to the wider life and ethos of the School and contribute to the Day Boarding Programme which runs until 9pm Sunday –Wednesday; this includes active participation in House activities, assemblies, duties, the Co-Curricular Programme, Parents’ Evenings and other related commitments.
• Carry out any task that can be reasonably be expected of them in their role
• Take an active role in the development and implementation of school policies and in the whole life of the School
• Ensure that there are equal opportunities for all
• Follow school procedures as outlined in the staff handbooks
• Promote environmental awareness across the School.
• Develop effective professional relationships with colleagues, exercising sound judgement in seeking advice and specialist support, and deploying support staff appropriately.
• Take responsibility for the continuous improvement of teaching through appropriate professional development and respond constructively to advice and feedback from colleagues.
• Communicate promptly and professionally with parents regarding pupils’ achievements, behaviour and wellbeing, in accordance with the School’s communication procedures, and make purposeful use of the School’s electronic communication systems to support teaching, learning and engagement with the wider community.
• Be fully committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
About You
Essential
Education, skills, training and qualifications
• University degree from a recognized academic institution
• Recognised teaching qualification, UK PGCE or other teaching qualification giving QTS
• Strong pedagogical knowledge, including AfL
• Working knowledge of the National Curriculum
• Understanding of UK Safeguarding and Child Protection protocols
• Demonstrable commitment to professional development
• Strong ICT skills; an interest in and enthusiasm for the use of technology in education
• Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills with the ability to deal confidently with a wide range of people including staff, pupils and parents
• Outstanding planning and organizational skills
• Able and willing to contribute to the Co-Curricular Programme
Experience
• Comfortable working as part of a team
• Experience of, or a clear understanding of UK Independent Schools and/or British International Schools
Personal Qualities
• Commitment to the ethos of the school as a Day Boarding School and a belief in the unlimited potential of every pupil
• Ability to embrace and manage change
• Emotional intelligence. An ability to relate well to children and develop effective professional working relationships with adults
• Passion, resilience, integrity and optimism
• Approachable and empathetic to the needs of others
• Enthusiasm and an ability to use own initiative
• Ability to prioritise and work flexibly as workloads require, and a willingness to take ownership of tasks
• Attention to detail and ability to actively question and clarify information
• A role model who demonstrates professionalism at all times
• A positive outlook on life combined with energy, thoughtfulness, resilience, patience and a lively sense of humour
Desirable
• Knowledge of international accreditation, inspection and evaluation framework
• Experience using educational technology such as iPads and Virtual Learning Environment
Benefits
• Competitive Salary
• Fully furnished and equipped high quality accommodation in close proximity to the School
• Airconditioned transport to and from the School during term time
• Meals when on duty, including lunch for all teaching staff
• Annual return flights
• Comprehensive Private Healthcare Scheme Membership
• Free access to primary healthcare at the on-site Medical Centre
• Free annual flu vaccination
• 100% School fee discount for up to 2 children and 15% uniform discount
• Free membership to the Uppingham Cairo Sports Centre, including use of gym and swimming pool
• Comprehensive Professional Development Programme with ongoing mentoring and coaching
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to Occupational Health Services
Application Process
Applications should be made by sending a fully completed Uppingham Cairo Application Form, including at least 2 referees and Cover Letter, to recruitment26@uppinghamcairo.com.
CVs may also be sent in addition to the Application Form.